In a desperate attempt to find a cure, David works as a janitor at a research laboratory in Portland, Oregon. While pretending to be simple-minded, he anonymously guides the genetic research of Dr. Ronald Pratt. After being discovered by Dr. Pratt, David admits to his true identity, and explains his story. Pratt then agrees to help rid him of the Hulk. Unfortunately, however, a group of spies are after Dr. Pratt's research, and want to use it to create "perfect" soldiers.